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The Crystal Ball says…

After careful consultation of our crystal ball, astrological charts and the quatrains of Nostradamus, Hoops Haven presents our projections for the 2007-08 college basketball season, along with a sneak preview of a few items from the Gannett New Jersey preview packages (which appear on Friday for Rutgers and Sunday for Seton Hall).

As always we look forward to hearing reader feedback. Let the debate begin!SETON HALL PREDICTION: This will be a fun team to watch, and it should be a better one thanks to the much-needed arrival of four big bodies. In Laing and Harvey the Pirates have as much scoring firepower as anyone. If the defense improves, they should vie for an NIT berth at 18-13 overall, 8-10 in the Big East.

SETON HALL BREAKDOWN: Seton Hall will lose non-conference games against Virginia, N.C. State and at St. Mary’s or Penn State. They will win Big East games against South Florida (2), Rutgers (2, although the game at the RAC will be a war), Cincinnati, DePaul, at St. John’s and upset someone TBD.

RUTGERS PREDICTION: Fans don’t want to hear this, but Rutgers’ top priorities this season are to establish an identity and play competitively. Both were sorely lacking last winter. With the Scarlet Knights’ acute lack of big bodies and reliance on freshmen, it’s hard to expect more than 14-17 overall, 5-13 in the Big East.

RUTGERS BREAKDOWN: Rutgers will lose non-conference games to Florida and North Carolina, at Nebraska and vs. Manhattan or Rider. In the Big East the Scarlet Knights will sweep South Florida, beat St. John’s and Cincinnati at home and probably upset another team at home.

SETON HALL’S THREE REASONS TO HOPEGo-to-Guys: Brian Laing and Eugene Harvey are the top returning scorers in the Big East at 16.5 points per game. They can beat you in different ways, which makes the Pirates tough to defend.Soft Schedule: With home-and-homes against Rutgers and South Florida and just two tough non-conference opponents, Seton Hall’s slate is a perfect incubator for a talented young group.A Good Vibe: The relocation to Newark’s dazzling Prudential Center and a strong recruiting class led by sharp-shooting wing Jeremy Hazell has the program and its fans feeling good.

SETON HALL’S THREE REASONS TO MOPEPivotal Questions: The frontcourt was the problem last year. It’s deeper this year, but much rides on a player with a troublesome knee (John Garcia) and two rookies (Mike Davis and Michael Glover).Chemistry Class: With six veterans and six new players, it will take time to get everyone on the same page. Strong leadership from Laing and fellow senior Jamar Nutter is a must.Foul Stench: The Pirates collected fouls like they were baseball cards last winter, including nine technicals assessed to Bobby Gonzalez. That could cost them two or three games—and a postseason—if it continues.

RUTGERS’ THREE REASONS TO HOPENew Blood: Freshmen guards Corey Chandler and Mike Coburn are impact recruits who will make the Scarlet Knights a better offensive team. Their development will be the season’s most compelling story line.More Action: To a man, the Scarlet Knights swear they will push the pace on both ends of the floor this year. It may not translate into a whole lot more wins, but it’s better than watching paint dry.Welcome Back Byron: The return of fifth-year center Byron Joynes from a foot injury that forced him to redshirt will provide a much-needed boost in terms of floor presence and leadership. He’s the only senior.

RUTGERS’ THREE REASONS TO MOPESize Matters: With just three forwards on scholarship, Rutgers is going to get pushed around inside by the Big East’s better front lines. There’s no way around it. And that’s without any foul trouble.Who’s the Point?: A platoon at point guard rarely works, and the Scarlet Knights have three potential starters at the position in Anthony Farmer, Courtney Nelson and Mike Coburn. One must emerge as the man.The Drought: Fred Hill is preaching patience, but Rutgers fans are tired of hearing that word year after year. Enthusiasm figures to be low as the program tries to take baby steps out of the Big East basement.

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12 thoughts on “The Crystal Ball says…”

Jerry,Rutgers plays North Carolina, not North Carolina State. The Tar Heels are gonna win by 60. I don't even think I'll watch that game on TV, and I'm off that night! As for your predictions, I almost agree. I have Rutgers pegged at 15-16, 6-12, losing to Florida, UNC, Nebraska and one other team nonconference. I also have them going 6-3 at the RAC and 0-8 on the road in the Big East. Among those home wins will be USF, Cincy, St. John's and Seton Hall. I think there will be 2 upsets along the way, with one of them likely being Notre Dame. They will not win on the road.

Given the run on upsets of teams thus far (Mich St, Ohio St, Ktky, I realize some were exhibition games but come on), we got a chance to really suprise!!!

Over/under on Gonzo Technicals has to go up with the rule changes about coaches and the benches. None of it is in his favor. It is not in Callhouns favor either, but I am sure he will get away with it. I put the over/under @ 12.5

RU/NC to be played @ the RAC. Bad job by RU not playing this game @ the IZOD center (formerly known as Continental airlines arena, Brendon Bryne Arena and the Meadowlands). They should milk that game for all it was worth. Playing at the RAC will only help them cover the 42 point spread.

On a seperate note, if you are a putz, please stay off this blog. I hate seeing 8 posts in a row deleted because you are a moron.

I'm back boys - and ready for another fun season...its been really hard on my lately - my teams haven't won a championship in a few weeks and I'm itching for more. And I'm gonna have to wait a few more months until the Patriots get that 4th ring too...so I guess the Hall will have to tide me over until then. And what better way to start it off than the Monmouth game being on DirecTV for me on Sunday!! Let's get it on.

Word on booze: The Gold Bar (cash bar) will be open to season ticket holders/Pirate Blue members only and the restaurants will serve alcohol. I wasn't able to nail down whether beer will be sold along the concourse.

Jerry, the crowd size post Lafayette was again extremely small - that is concerning! Why oh why are people not coming - must be the product. Maryland womens game was pretty well packed!

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About the Author

Jerry Carino has covered sports for the Gannett New Jersey newspapers since 1996 and has been on the college basketball beat since 2003. A native of Old Bridge, he also teaches journalism at Kean University.Email Jerry.